Best time to Exercise???

[giandave]

Hey there -

When is the best time to exercise???? ...I know probably mornings, but as of right now, Im not much of a morning person (I do love my sleep)....Im looking for more at:
Should I exercise before dinner or after???? Is there a benefit for either one?? Does it matter??

Thanks for you input!!
Gia

[susieokla]

Hi Gia-

I usually exercise right after work, around 5:00 in the evening. Not sure if that's the best time or not but it's the only time I can fit it in.

I always heard that exercising first thing in the morning is good but who has time for that? I do good getting myself and 3 kids up, ready and out the door.

[ehyatt]

I just finished reading Jillian Michael's "Winning to Lose" book. She was saying that it doesn't matter what time you exercise and whether or not it is on a full or empty stomach. She says that what is important is what feels comfortable for you and that you are consistent with it.

[giandave]

Thanks ehyatt!! Thats the type of info I was looking for

[Patty_Ann]

Thanks Ehyatt! Did she happen to mention if it matters if it is the same time every day? I exercise when I get the chance - I just started walking every day but it is always at a different time. I still feel great afterwards!

[ehyatt]

Jillian didn't mention that it had to be a certain time of day, only that you are consistent and try to do weights/body three times a week and cardio two times a week, resting completely for two days. She also recommended that on the 3 days that you do weights that you do cardio for 5 minutes to warm up your muscles. It could be jumping rope or doing jumping jacks. My gym is a lot like Curves so it is more circuit training and each day that I work out I am getting a little bit of everything. Jillian also said that a person that works out only 30 minutes a day will only maintain their weight, that if you want to lose big that you should work out 60 minutes, 5 days a weeks (provided that you are healthy, and in good enough shape to make that commitment.) Which makes a lot of sense to me seeing as how the biggest losers worked out so hard on the ranch. Hope that helps Patty Ann!

[Patty_Ann]

It helps out a lot! I have just started exercising again - I am so out of shape. I am starting out slow - I am walking 1 mile a day for a week - and then I am pushing it up to 2 miles a day. My chin muscles hurt and my calf muscles a little bit but other than that I feel great! My 10 year old daughter volunteered to be my walking pal - she is excited for me! I was going to start in at Curves but decided to get an Elliptical machine - I saw that on the Biggest Loser they use this a lot. I figure that when my husband works late I still have a chance to work out at home - I wouldn't make it to the gym in time. I just can't wait until we get it - we'll be getting it this week. Once I have the money I will also be getting the DVD and book of the BL...It would be nice to win it off here though - save me some money! lol

THANKS AGAIN!

[sandollar1977]

From what I understand from trainers at YMCA time of day doesn't matter so much....its best to eat after you work out OR allow 1-2 hours between eating and working out. Otherwise just get up and get moving!

[ehyatt]

That was a smart decision about Curves Patty Ann! I used to belong to Curves and found it was difficult to get to the gym and work out because they close so early everyday. I transferred to a gym that is almost identical to their workout and I can got from 5am-10pm 356 days a year! I do have to say, that as long as I was consistent with it, both gyms were great, and I lost 26 lbs. since last June! How much is the eliptical going to cost?? I have always wanted one!

[72butterfly]

As everyone has said..time of day doesn't matter. You have to exercise at the time that works best for you. You have to make it convenient too. Meaning it shouldn't be complicated to get where going or do what you're doing because it will cause you to quit.